Payne Celebrates Ending Super Falcons’ Goal Drought in Victory Over Senegal

Toni Payne expressed her joy after ending a nearly five‑year goal drought for the Super Falcons during Friday’s friendly win over Senegal.

The warm‑up match, held in Ikenne, Ogun state, saw Nigeria triumph 2‑1, with Asisat Oshoala and Payne each scoring.

Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Payne doubled the advantage, putting the WAFCON champions into the break 2‑0 ahead.

Senegal managed to pull one back in the second half, but the Super Falcons held on for the victory.

After finally finding the net for the Falcons, Payne said in the post‑match press conference: “I’m happy to score (for the Falcons) after almost five years so just really good to do it here in Nigeria.”

The Super Falcons and Senegal will meet again in a second friendly on Monday at the same venue in Ikenne.

Also Read: 2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons Are The Team To Beat –Ikpeba

Both teams are using the friendlies as part of their preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Defending champions, the Falcons are drawn in Group C with Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.

The 2026 WAFCON tournament also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams will qualify for the World Cup, and two additional teams will advance to the inter‑confederation play‑offs.

By James Agberebi